Sr. Supplier Quality Engineer in Temple, Texas at Texas Hydraulics Inc

Texas Hydraulics is seeking a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer to lead supplier quality activities and help ensure purchased materials and components meet our requirements. This role combines technical problem-solving, supplier development, and collaboration with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain.

Reporting to the Director of Quality, you will establish supplier expectations, monitor performance, resolve quality issues, and help suppliers improve their processes. You will also support our internal quality management system and provide guidance to designated quality team members.

Lead supplier quality and development

• Develop and manage supplier quality processes, including qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.

• Conduct supplier audits, capability assessments, and risk evaluations against applicable company, industry, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain supplier scorecards and performance metrics, and present results to leadership.

• Work with Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to establish technical requirements and supplier quality expectations.

• Lead investigations into supplier quality issues using structured root cause analysis and corrective action methods.

• Coordinate responses to critical supplier issues, including recovery plans and cost recovery when applicable.

• Coach suppliers on process improvements, problem-solving methods, and quality system requirements.

Provide technical quality support

• Guide suppliers and internal teams on Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), First Article Inspection (FAI), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and process control plans.

• Support process FMEA development and follow-up actions to prevent quality issues.

• Apply methods such as 8D, fishbone diagrams, and the 5 Whys to identify causes and verify effective corrective actions.

• Ensure supplier quality processes align with the company’s ISO 9001 quality management system.

• Train suppliers on first article inspection and approval requirements and applicable THMS requirements.

Support internal quality operations

• Train and coach incoming inspectors on internal procedures, material test reports, certificates of conformance, and THMS requirements.

• Conduct internal QMS audits and support other quality system activities as directed by the Director of Quality.

• Lead and mentor quality personnel within your area of responsibility.

• Review timecards, coordinate work schedules, and plan vacation coverage for designated team members.

• Collaborate with Operations, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Service, and Health, Safety, and Environmental teams.

• Perform other duties assigned by the Director of Quality.

• A bachelor’s degree with three to five years of related experience, an equivalent combination of education and experience, or at least eight years of directly applicable work experience.

• Experience working with suppliers to resolve quality issues and improve performance.

• Knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements, process control plans, and process FMEA.

• Experience using structured problem-solving methods, including 8D, the 5 Whys, and fishbone diagrams.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints.

• Experience using measurement and inspection equipment, such as calipers, micrometers, hardness testers, and profilometers.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience using Oracle ERP.

• Clear communication skills and the ability to train, coach, and work effectively with suppliers and internal teams.

The following experience is helpful but not required:

• Hydraulic cylinders.

• Machining, welding, and painting processes.

• ISO 9001 internal auditing.

• Lean manufacturing.

• Six Sigma.

This position includes office work and occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts. The work environment generally has moderate noise levels.

The role regularly involves sitting, using hands, reaching, and communicating with others. It occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and lifting or moving up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Texas Hydraulics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job-related factors without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.